Multi-Decorated Bomb Technician to Receive Mortgage-Free Home

Bruce Burgess, a multiple decorated former Army bomb technician now living in Martinsburg, WV, will receive the Military Warriors Support Foundation mortgage free home at a May 1 ceremony at Haddad River Front Park in Charleston, WV.

Having served at Camp Taji Iraq and at Air Ramadi Iraq, Staff Sergeant Burgess conducted supervisory bomb disposal operations occasionally in conjunction with the First Cavalry Division security team, U.S. Air Force intelligence assets (WIT) and occasionally with Brigade and higher commands.

Serving in Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD), Burgess disarmed, neutralized or destroyed improvised explosive devices (IED's), mitigated Unexploded Ordinance and conducted routine route clearance patrols in support of U.S. Army Engineering. He received a Bronze Star for mitigating a very unsafe unexploded projectile while under enemy indirect and direct fire.

After having suffered multiple traumatic Injuries, he was released to the Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division in Indian Head, MD for working duty and medical care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Awarded Meritorious Service Medal from NAVEODTECHDIV for robotic tool development and EOD tool program oversight.

Burgess has received the following awards: Combat Action Badge, Bronze Star, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge(x2), Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal Badge, Army Commendation Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal w/ 1 Campaign Star, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal(2), National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon.

He is currently attending Shepherd University and is active in both the Martinsburg and Charlestown American Legion posts.